Learn Nouns which look plural but used as singular

Nouns that look like plural but are singular

There are some words which look plural as they end with a “s” but are actually used as singulars. Here are some such words with examples showing their correct usage.

Athletics

Athletics is the sport of competing in track and field events. It includes running races, jumping, throwing etc.
Incorrect: Athletics are regularly practiced in our school.
Correct: Athletics is regularly practiced in our school.

Classics

Incorrect : He was offered classic at the institute.
Correct : He was offered classics at the institute.

Economics

A subject which can not be called Economic.
Incorrect : Economics are the social science that determine the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services.
Correct: Economics is the social science that determines the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services.

Ethics

Moral philosophy which can not be called ethic.
Incorrect: Ethics are the branch of philosophy
Correct: Ethics is the branch of philosophy.

Gallows

Looks like a plural but actually a singular, Gallows refers to execution by hanging and can not be written as Gallow.
Incorrect: The culprit was sent to the gallow.
Correct: The culprit was sent to the gallows.

Gymnastics

Similar to athletics, gymnastics is a sport that involves exercises on bars, bean, floor etc.
Incorrect: Gymnastics are his favourite sport.
Correct: Gymnastics is his favourite sport.

Innings

Innings refers to each of two divisions of a game in which one side gets an opportunity to bat. One half can not be called a “inning”. It is always first innings or second innings.
Incorrect: India scored 100 runs in the first inning.
Correct: India scored 100 runs in the+ first innings.

Mathematics

Ok, so it can not be called “mathematic” in its singular form. The correct word is “Mathematics”.
Incorrect : Mathematics are a easy subject.
Correct : Mathematics is a easy subject.

Mechanics

Mechanics is a subject which deals with the motion and forces producing the motion. However, a “mechanic” is a skilled worker who repairs your car engine and other machinery.
Incorrect: Mechanics are a boring subject.
Correct: Mechanics is a boring subject.
So, you see, “mechanic” is not the singular form of “mechanics”

News

News refers to newly received or noteworthy information about recent happenings. It is different from something “new”
Incorrect: This news were broadcasted yesterday.
Correct: This news was broadcasted yesterday.

Physics

Another subject like Mathematics, Mechanics….which looks like a plural but is actually not.
Incorrect: Physics are a boring subject.
Correct: Physics is a boring subject.

Politics

Politics refers to the activities associated with the governance of a country or area. You can not call it “politic” to make it singular.
Incorrect: Politics are a waste of time.
Correct: Politics is a waste of time.

Statistics

Another subject which looks like a plural from its looks but is actually a singular.
Incorrect : Statistics are the study of the collection, analysis, interpretation, etc.
Correct : Statistics is the study of the collection, analysis, interpretation, etc.

Summons

A judicial summons is served while the boss can summon his junior.
Incorrect: London's summons were very irritating.
Correct: London's summons was very irritating.